CHAPTER 23 - Hope in the Night

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the quiet village as the moon began its slow ascent. Elder Masahi had graciously arranged accommodations for Razor and his squad, offering them a humble bamboo house near his own. The air was crisp, and the scent of burning wood filled the night as the group gathered around a bonfire in front of the elder's house.

Reena savored her meal, prepared by the local restaurant waitress, while Shin leaned against a tree, immersed in his book, letting the flickering flames dance in his peripheral vision. Meanwhile, Razor sat close to the fire, his mind restless, replaying the elder's words about the name Nerahoshi over and over.

His thoughts drifted back to what Genta had told him before they embarked on their mission.

"Razor, if you manage to get information from the villagers, don't ask about the name in public. Only you should know, and report everything directly to me."

Razor had nodded in understanding at the time, but now, in the stillness of the village night, he finally understood the weight of Genta's warning. Now I see why Sir Genta asked me to keep it confidential…

Elder Masahi approached him, his presence warm yet perceptive. "What are you doing sitting alone, young man?"

Razor snapped out of his trance and shook his head. "No, no, it's nothing. I'm just… thinking a lot."

Masahi chuckled knowingly. "I understand. I gave you a great deal of information—perhaps too much all at once. I should have given you a simpler version of the past, but I got carried away." His voice softened with sincerity. "I apologize for overwhelming you."

Razor looked up and offered a small smile. "No, sir. Thanks to you, we've learned what we came for. It was a lot to take in, but I appreciate it."

Masahi's eyes twinkled with appreciation. "I'm just glad I had someone to share it with. You see, the villagers fear him—the one we spoke of. But I believe there's more to the story. Was he truly power-hungry, or was there something that forced his hand? I want to uncover the truth."

"I hope you do," Razor replied sincerely.

Masahi patted his shoulder. "You're a good man, Razor. Stay that way."

Razor hesitated before responding, forcing a nod. "Yes, sir."

"Well then, enough talk. Eat something and rest. You'll need your strength."

Razor nodded again as the elder returned to his home. His gaze fell upon the fire, his expression darkening. I… I am not a good person, Sir Masahi. I am not…

A soft voice interrupted his thoughts. "Sir, the elder asked us to bring you dinner."

Razor looked up to see the restaurant waitress standing before him, offering him a meal. He accepted it with gratitude. "Thank you. Did Reena and Shin eat?"

She smiled. "Yes, they already had their dinner and are asleep in the house."

As she turned to leave, Razor called out, "Excuse me… may I speak with you for a moment?"

She turned back. "Of course."

Razor took a breath. "I… I wanted to apologize for scaring you and for breaking the table at the restaurant."

The girl blinked, then smiled gently. "Yuki."

"Huh?"

"My name. It's Yuki."

Razor nodded. "I see. Yuki, I truly am sorry for what I did."

She shook her head. "It's alright. The elder said he would send people to repair it."

Razor exhaled in relief. "That's good to hear."

Yuki hesitated before sitting beside him. "Sir Razor… why are you so interested in the past?"

Razor chuckled. "A friend of mine is obsessed with history. We came to gather information for him."

Yuki smiled. "Then you must be good friends. He's lucky to have you."

Razor's expression wavered. "I don't know about that. We've been together since childhood, but… something changed. He's always so serious now, always alone."

Yuki's eyes softened. "Sir Razor, if he didn't trust you, he wouldn't have sent you. Friendship doesn't change, no matter what."

Razor remained silent for a moment before offering a small smile.

Yuki stood up. "It was nice talking to you, Razor. I should get back to work."

Razor stood as well. "Can I help?"

Yuki's eyes widened. "No, no, you should eat."

"It's fine. Let me help make up for what I did at the restaurant."

She hesitated, a slight blush dusting her cheeks. "I… If you insist sir Razor."

"What do we need to do?"

"We need to bring potatoes from the field."

"Alright, lead the way."

The two walked through the village, arriving at the fields where moonlight shimmered over rice paddies, swaying in the gentle breeze. The fresh scent of soil lingered in the air, calming the night.

Razor admired the sight. "It's beautiful here."

Yuki nodded. "Whenever I feel down, I come here. It helps me clear my mind."

Razor tilted his head. "You're young. What stresses you?"

Yuki lowered her gaze. "I have a son. He's four. His father… was killed by bandits." Her voice trembled. "Even though this village has been kind to me, I live in fear. What if bandits come again? My son is my world, and I can't afford to lose him too."

She took a deep breath before continuing, her voice barely above a whisper. "When I went outside the village to a market, some men came closer and tried to take my child… and me. In that moment, I had no choice. I fought back… and I killed one of them to save us. I never thought I'd take a life, but I had to. Why are people like this? When will peace come to these lands?"

Tears welled in her eyes, and Razor found himself unable to respond.

After a pause, he finally said, "Yuki… these are hard times. Conflicts rage, and war looms closer each day. But hope—hope gives us strength to protect what matters. Everything we do is right when we do it for the person we love or care about."

She wiped her tears, nodding. "You're right. I won't lose hope. I'll protect my son."

Razor exhaled, watching Yuki as she wiped her tears and steadied herself. Her determination was admirable, yet deep down, he felt an unsettling weight in his chest.

As if I'm in any place to say such things to her… he thought bitterly. But everything I do, everything I've done—it's right… because it's for him.

Yuki took a deep breath and forced a small smile. "Here we are. These are the sacks we need to take."

Razor followed her gaze and froze for a moment. In front of them sat two massive sacks of potatoes, far too heavy for someone of Yuki's stature to carry alone. He arched a brow and glanced at her. "Oye, Yuki… How exactly were you planning to carry these two huge sacks by yourself?"

She laughed nervously, avoiding his gaze.

Razor sighed, shaking his head. Without another word, he grabbed both sacks with ease, hoisting them over his shoulders as if they weighed nothing. "Shall we move then?"

Yuki blinked in awe. "You're so strong, Sir Razor."

Razor tensed, feeling a bead of sweat roll down his temple. "O-Oohhh… oooohhh…"

Ooooooooohhhhhh, I forgot! he screamed internally. I should've at least pretended to struggle a little! What should I doooooo?!

Scrambling to regain composure, he blurted out, "I, uh… I do workouts! To strengthen myself."

Yuki tilted her head, smirking slightly. "So, is that how you got the strength to send a person flying into a house in front of the restaurant?"

Razor nearly choked. Oooooooooooooo… she even remembered that?!

He let out a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of his head but choosing not to answer.

Yuki giggled and turned back toward the village, walking ahead. Over her shoulder, she mused, "Sir Razor, I think you're a nice person. Even though you make people fly into other houses… I still think you're good."

Razor walked beside her in silence for a moment before speaking. "It's Renjiro."

Yuki blinked. "Hmm?"

He exhaled, his voice quieter this time. "Renjiro. My real name. You can call me Renjiro."

Yuki's eyes widened slightly, and a soft blush crept onto her cheeks. She hesitated for a brief moment before nodding with a small smile. "Okay… Renjiro."